Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
A Rebus, by I. B. explained
A rebus poem that uses riddles and wordplay to encode a town name, referencing a bird, a horned creature, a green gem, a town of gaiety, a Dardan hero, and a peer, ultimately celebrating Britannia's fame.
What happens
A rebus poem that uses riddles and wordplay to encode a town name, referencing a bird, a horned creature, a green gem, a town of gaiety, a Dardan hero, and a peer, ultimately celebrating Britannia's fame.
Characters to notice
- Britannia
Referenced in the final line as 'old Britannia’s fame', the poem's patriotic subject.
Key passages
“A bird delicious to the taste, On which an army once did feast, Sent by an hand unseen;”
A tasty bird that an army once ate, sent by an invisible hand.
Likely refers to quail or a similar bird, possibly alluding to a biblical or historical feast.
“A creature of the horned race, Which Britain’s royal standards grace;”
A horned animal that appears on Britain's royal coat of arms.
Probably the unicorn, a symbol of Scotland and part of the British royal crest.
“A Dardan hero fam’d of old For youth and beauty, as we’re told, And by a monarch slain;”
A Trojan hero known for his youth and beauty, killed by a king.
Refers to the Trojan prince Troilus, slain by Achilles in Greek mythology.
“Th’ initials show a vanquish’d town, That adds fresh glory and renown To old Britannia’s fame.”
The first letters spell out a conquered town that brings new honor to Britain.
The rebus solution is likely a town name, possibly 'Bristol' or another location associated with British victory.